Series Street Light Replacement Program

The City owns and operates approximately 40 street lights that are powered by high voltage series circuits. These lights are more difficult to troubleshoot and repair than standard lights and are at the end of their useful life. This project includes reviewing the Town’s street lights to specifically identify which lights are powered by series circuits, designing new circuitry and replacing the high voltage lights with current standard parallel circuit lights.

The new lights will be energy efficient, safer and more reliable. This project will also analyze and make recommendations on issues such as upgrading the rest of the Town's approximately 210 lights to energy efficient lights, purchasing the approximately 185 PG&E owned distribution lights located in Town and seeking an alternate maintenance provider.

History & Status

The Town awarded an agreement with W-Trans in April of 2015 to provide design plans, specifications and estimates (PS&E) to replace the Town's series circuits and to provide the related engineering services. W-Trans has performed preliminary engineering on the project including tasks such as performing an inspection of the Town's street lights, determining which lights are fed by series circuits, and designing new circuitry.

The inspection found that there are four separate series circuits in Atherton that power a total of 35 lights. The existing street light poles will continue to be used at the same locations. The underground conduits, wires and the light fixtures will be replaced with new parts. The project is expected to clean and re-paint the poles.

The Consultant recommended upgrading the rest of the City's lights to Light Emitting Diode (LED) technology. Town Staff installed sample LED fixtures in order to gain community feedback. In October 2016, a survey asked residents to come out to review the new lights and rate them for two different criteria - overall look of the light fixture; and quality of the light. The survey ended on October 31, 2016. In addition to the survey, staff held two (2) “Street Light Survey Nights” where residents met with staff to review the street light fixtures and provide input in person. Those meetings were held October 19 and 25 at 6:30 p.m. Results of the survey are as follows:

Pendant Lighting

Votes

King Luminaire Mode K804 P4RAD-III

86

Phillips RN20

80

Post-top Lighting

Votes

Steinberg Vintage Model C31491 A850

88

King Luminaire KCK118 BR

62

Retain Existing

68

The Town retained a contractor and in August 2017, gave notice to start construction. Staff anticipated completing construction of the replacement lighting systems in February 2017, but due to unforeseen delays now expects construction to be completed in March. The schedule is subject to change and will be updated as needed, due to unforeseen delays or weather related issues.Work will be completed during off peak travel periods to minimize disruption to the public. Below is the updated construction schedule and scope of work:

August – Start Construction

October – Complete installation of conduit for Lindenwood

November – Start installation of conduit for Lloyden Park

January – Start installation of conduit for Atherton Oaks

February – Start transition to Series Circuit Power (rescheduled for 2/22)

Historical Actions and Project Materials

Following receipt of community feedback on the Street Light Survey Town Staff issued an RFP for a contractor to construct the improvements. Council approved the plans at their April meeting and authorized advertisement for public bids to retain a contractor. Information on the Street Light Project can be found below.